Lawmakers in Lansing are working on a new bill that could forgive more than $600 million in fees against drivers in Michigan by waiving what are called "responsibility fees."
The action has bipartisan support in the legislature.
If you are behind the wheel without a license and get caught, you get a fine, then you get fined the "responsibility fee."
It's just one of many driving infractions that fall under the responsibility fee umbrella that was created by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2003 to help bring revenue to the state when its economy faltered. It added up to just over $100 million a year.
Now, more than 250,000 drivers in the state have yet to pay the fees, which adds up to more than $600 million in fees that are six years old.
Som elawmakers say the state won't get that cash and it's putting a debt on people that can't afford it, calling the fees ranging from $100 to $2,000 unjust.
The fees would bring in $20 million tot ehs tate next year but the plan under this billw ould phase them out and forgive the existing fees when the program is eliminated next year.
It's in committee now and will have to get approved in the house and senate before going to Gov. Snyder's desk.
